With the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race going ahead, Eden Marine Rescue Unit Commander Peter Horn said the Eden radio station will become something of a bustling hub for a couple of days.

"It's a busy time for the station," Mr Horn said. "We're working full time with the normal traffic of boats just out fishing or whatever."

However, the station will also play host to officials from the iconic annual race who will be registering and communicating with the fleet as they head south towards the Bass Strait.

"We won't be doing any actual talking to the yachts unless they need help, but we're there in case there are any problems during the night, the station will be operating for at least those 24 hours."

Mr Horn said Eden Water Police would also be working closely with race officials to monitor the conditions and provide assistance in case yachts need towing in.

Eden has historically become a safe harbour for boats retiring if they are damaged during the further south reaches where they hit the roaring 40s.

Outside the bustle of the Sydney to Hobart, Mr Horn said volunteers were prepared to look out for everyone on the water.

"Depending on the weather we're gearing up for a very active summer, if the weather is right we'll expect to see pretty big crowds out on the water.

"[Even when it's poor] there are always some hardened fishermen."

Mr Horn said Marine Rescue provided regular and accurate weather forecasts and volunteers would be out in force to look out for everyone on the water, from the race, to anglers and everyone else.

"Our aim is to protect people at sea, doesn't matter if they're yacht clubs or private fishermen, our job is to find them help."

With some expected to head out in an attempt to spectate the Sydney Hobart fleet passing off the coast Mr Horn said the critical factor was to log on with Marine rescue - and log off when you come back to port.

"We ask everyone to log on, they give us their details including how many are onboard, where they're going and which ramp or mooring they left from, then to log off when they come back in.

"It's good for our nerves when they log off to know people are coming back in safely."

Should any yachts from the Sydney to Hobart retire into Eden, the Twofold Bay Yacht Club have a special consolation award on hand for the first of the racing crews to come in, while Mr Horn praised club secretary Robyn Malcolm who works tirelessly to find beds and warm showers for any crews that do have to abandon the race.